3 Best Restaurants in Pioneer Square, Seattle

Oysters don’t get any fresher than this: Taylor, a fifth-generation, family-owned company, opened its own restaurant to serve their products in the manner most befitting such pristine shellfish. The simple preparations—raw, cooked, and chilled—are all designed to show off the seafood with light broths, sauces, and a few accoutrements. This is the place to come for a true sense of the Pacific Northwest’s “merroir”—taste of the local waters, including the (in)famous local giant clam, the geoduck, which is mostly known for its unique, somewhat lewd shape. Proximity to the stadium makes this the perfect destination for Seattle’s local tailgaters, who often prefer a dozen fresh-shucked bivalves to chili or barbecue.

In addition to its navy-blue exterior and cheeky name, this small, upscale gastropub is known for simple yet crafty cocktails and a concise menu of creative comfort foods. The bar offers snacks and small plates ideal for sharing, as well as heartier options featuring seasonal veggies, local seafood, and pastas. Tucked into a historic Pioneer Square building, Damn the Weather is the perfect spot to cozy up in during a Seattle downpour.

Take a seat on the aqua-painted chairs and tables beneath leafy trees with a flaky croissant in hand, and you’ll almost believe you’re in Paris. A new neighborhood favorite, Mirabelle is a French-inspired pâtisserie located next to Occidental Park. Browse the mouth-watering case filled with croissants, macarons, and berry-topped tarts, or take a seat and order a croque monsieur, salade Niçoise, or quiche. Given the cafe's proximity to the stadiums, expect to find lines out the door on game days, but it moves quickly and is worth the wait. Mirabelle is also stocked with a few French specialty items, including fromage and baguette.